drunkenness and surprise.
We'll hit them and try and finish it before they know what's happened. I
don't think they will have realized how badly we were hit; they probably
expect us to be a hundred miles away by now.'
'When do
you want to leave, boss?'
'We are about twelve miles from Port Reprieve - say, six hours' march in
the dark. I want to attack in the early hours of tomorrow morning, but
I'd like to be in position around midnight. We'll leave here at six
o'clock, just before dark.'
'I'd better go and start sorting the boys out.'
'Okay, Ruffy. Issue an extra hundred rounds to each man and ten
grenades. I'll want four extra haversacks of grenades also.' Bruce
turned to Hendry and looked at him for the first time. 'Go with the
sergeant major, Hendry, and give him a hand.'
'Jesus, this is going to be a ball,' grinned Wally in anticipation.
'With any luck I'll get me a sackful of ears.' He disappeared down the
corridor behind Ruffy, and Bruce lay back on the seat and took off his
helmet. He closed his eyes and once again he saw
Boussier and his wife standing together in the truck as it rolled back
down the hill, he saw the huddle of frightened women, and Andre standing
bareheaded staring back at him with big brown gentle eyes.
He groaned softly. 'Why is it always the good ones, the harmless, the
weak?' A tap on the door roused him and he sat up quickly.
'Yes?'
'Hello, Bruce.' Shermaine came in with a multipledecked metal canteen in
one hand and two mugs in the other. 'It's lunchtime.'
'Already!' Bruce checked his watch. 'Good Lord, it's after one.'
'Are you hungry!'
'Breakfast was a century ago.' 'Good,' she said, lowered the collapsible
table and began . ng the food.
'Smells good.' sir! 'I am a chef Cordon Bleu. My bully beef goulash is
demanded by the crowned heads of Europe.' They ate in silence for both
of them were hungry. Once they looked at each other and smiled but
returned to the food.
'That was good,' sighed Bruce at last.
'Coffee, Bruce?'
'Please.' As she poured it she asked, 'So, what happens now?'
'Do you mean what happens now we are alone?'
'You are forward, monsieur. I meant how do we get out of here?'
'I am adopting your suggestion: borrowing General Moses's
transportation.'
'You make jokes, Bruce!'
'No' he said, and explained briefly.
'It will be very dangerous, will it not? You may be hurt?'
'Only the good die young.'
'That is why I worry. Please do not get hurt - I
am starting to think I would not like that.' Her face was very serious
and pale. Bruce crossed quickly and stooped over her, lifting her to her
